Mark A Mitchell

University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | UIUC

Leptospira spp. are re-emerging zoonotic pathogens. Previous research has found that Blanding’s turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans shed leptospires in their urine, suggesting that they could play a role in transmitting pathogen within an aquatic ecosystem. This study investigated whether a population...

Leptospira spp. are re-emerging zoonotic pathogens. Previous research has found that Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) experimentally infected with Leptospira interrogans shed leptospires in their urine, suggesting that they could play a role in transmitting pathogen within an aquatic ecosystem. This study investigated whether a population...

Vertebrates have 2 methods of acquiring vitamin D: through the diet and/or secondary to exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. Although some species (e.g., dogs) can only acquire vitamin D through their diet, many others also utilize UVB radiation to generate vitamin D. Prior to their extirpation, guinea pigs were naturally exposed to varying l...

Vitamin D is an essential hormone in vertebrates. Most animals acquire this hormone through their diet and/or exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. The objectives for this research were to evaluate the clinical and physiologic effects of artificial UVB light supplementation on rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and to evaluate the long-term safet...

Characterizing the health status and reproductive success of wild populations of sea turtles can be difficult; however, obtaining data to do this can provide important insight into the stability and long-term success of a population. This study examined the use of baseline corticosterone to assess reproductive success of a population of nesting log...

Purpose: To determine the immediate and chronic effects of topical 0.1% diclofenac and 0.03% flurbiprofen on corneal sensitivity in normal canine eyes. Animals studied: Eighteen normal, nonbrachycephalic dogs. Methods: A prospective, randomized, masked, crossover study was performed. To determine the immediate effects associated with treatment...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate use of single manual alveolar recruitment maneuvers (ARMs) to eliminate atelectasis during CT of anesthetized foals. ANIMALS 6 neonatal Standardbred foals. PROCEDURES Thoracic CT was performed on spontaneously breathing anesthetized foals positioned in sternal (n = 3) or dorsal (3) recumbency when foals were 24 to 36 hours old...

OBJECTIVE To determine tear film concentrations of doxycycline in ophthalmologically normal dogs following oral doxycycline administration. DESIGN Crossover study. ANIMALS 10 privately owned dolichocephalic or mesaticephalic dogs free of ophthalmic disease. PROCEDURES Dogs were randomly assigned to receive doxycycline hyclate first at 5 mg/ kg (2.3...

Objectives: To document the incidence of hyperlactatemia in sick cats hospitalized for emergency care and to evaluate the prognostic utility of serial lactate measurements in cats with hyperlactatemia. Design: Prospective observational study over a 10-month period (July 2010-May 2011). Setting: Private veterinary referral center with 24-hour h...

Objective: To evaluate effects of alfaxalone on heart rate (HR), opercular rate (OpR), results of blood gas analysis, and responses to noxious stimuli in oscar fish (Astronotus ocellatus). Animals: 6 healthy subadult oscar fish. Procedures: Each fish was immersed in water containing 5 mg of alfaxalone/L. Water temperature was maintained at 25....

PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of 0.1% diclofenac and 0.03% flurbiprofen on corneal sensitivity in normal canine eyes after repeated dosing and 30 days of twice daily dosing METHODS: A prospective, randomized, masked, crossover study of 18 healthy, non-brachycephalic dogs was performed. For Phase I, the study drug was instilled every five minutes f...

Leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) are endangered throughout their range. To protect these animals, research is needed to develop conservation programs that protect the turtles during all of their life stages, including foraging, breeding, nesting, and hatching. The purpose of this study was to focus on issues related to nesting by dete...

Climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of droughts and intensity of seasonal precipitation in many regions. Semiaquatic mammals should be vulnerable to this increased variability in precipitation, especially in human-modified landscapes where dispersal to suitable habitat or temporary refugia may be limited. Using six years of presen...

Oxidative stress inhibits albumin's ability to complex with cobalt. Feline serum-cobalt binding has not been described. The objective was to develop a cobalt binding test for use with feline serum, and correlate the results with other biochemical and cellular constituents in blood, and with clinical diseases of cats. A colorimetric test of cobalt b...

The evaluation of hormonal responses to stress in reptiles relies on acquisition of baseline corticosterone concentrations; however, the stress associated with the restraint needed to collect the blood samples can affect the results. The purpose of this study was to determine a time limit for the collection of blood samples to evaluate baseline cor...

Objective: To critically evaluate plasma fibrinogen concentration as a diagnostic indicator of inflammation in red-eared sliders (Trachemys scripta elegans). Design: Prospective induced-disease model and prospective cross-sectional study. Sample: Plasma samples from 12 purpose-bred red-eared sliders and 153 farm-raised red-eared sliders. Proc...

Abstract We assessed risk factors for Toxoplasma gondii exposure in semiaquatic mammals in east-central Illinois, USA. This agricultural region has extensive drainage systems that could potentially transport T. gondii oocysts into the watershed. We used muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus) and American mink (Neovison vison) as sentinels of watershed conta...

Objective: To compare CT and radiographic images of the lungs in sedated healthy foals positioned in sternal recumbency and to investigate whether a relationship exists between CT-derived measurements of lung attenuation and Paco2 and Pao2. Animals: 6 healthy Standardbred foals < 14 days of age. Procedures: Thoracic CT images were acquired fol...

Vitamin D is an important hormone in vertebrates. Most animals acquire this hormone through their diet, secondary to exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, or a combination thereof. The objectives for this research were to evaluate the clinical and physiologic effects of artificial UVB light supplementation on guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus) and...

Cloacal or fecal Gram's stains and bacterial cultures are routinely performed during avian physical examinations to assess the microbial flora of the gastrointestinal tract. Although cloacal or fecal Gram's stains and bacterial cultures are considered routine diagnostic procedures, the level of agreement between the individual tests has not been de...

American alligators, Alligator mississippiensis, are one of 23 crocodilian species in the world, and they are common in the southeastern United States. Biochemical enzyme blood reference values have been established for the American alligator and several other crocodilians, but the tissue of origin of these enzymes has not been established. This st...

The topical application of isoflurane and sevoflurane compounded jellies has been used successfully to anesthetize anurans. Although sevoflurane is a less tissue-soluble anesthetic than isoflurane, it is unknown whether tissue solubility affects anesthesia after topical application. The purpose of this study was to determine time to loss and return...

Objective: To determine the effects of recumbency on air sac volume, lung volume, and lung densities in CT images of healthy, conscious and anesthetized spontaneously breathing Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti). Animals: 25 adult (13 male and 12 female) Humboldt penguins. Procedures: CT images of conscious penguins in ventral recumbency...

Vitamin D is an important hormone in vertebrates, and most animals acquire this hormone through their diet and/or exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. To date, no study has determined how chinchillas (Chinchilla laniger) acquire vitamin D. The objective of this study was to determine whether exposure to UVB radiation had an effect on serum 25...

Objective: To determine the safety, efficacy, and effects on hemolymph gas analysis variables of sevoflurane anesthesia in Chilean rose tarantulas (Grammostola rosea). Animals: 12 subadult Chilean rose tarantulas of unknown sex. Procedures: Spiders were anesthetized in a custom chamber with sevoflurane (5% in oxygen [1.0 L/min]), then allowed...

Objective: To determine the effects of UVB radiation produced by artificial lights on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations in domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculi). Animals: 9 juvenile domestic rabbits. Procedures: After an acclimation period, rabbits were anesthetized with isoflurane, and an initial blood sample was collected for determ...

Objective: To compare use of lidocaine-bupivacaine-infused absorbable gelatin hemostatic sponges versus lidocaine-bupivacaine retrobulbar injections for postoperative analgesia in dogs following eye enucleation. Design: Randomized case-control study. Animals: 19 dogs that underwent eye enucleation. Procedures: 19 client-owned dogs admitted t...

We examined morbidity and mortality of 200 reptiles, representing 13 different species that were presented to the University of Illinois Wildlife Medical Clinic (WMC) from 2003 to 2010. Snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentine; n = 46), box turtles (Terrapene sp.; n = 43), painted turtles (Chrysemys picta; n = 37), and red-eared slider turtles (Trache...

Objective: To determine whether an association exists between oral bacterial contamination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and positive PCR assay results for the detection of Mycoplasma spp in BALF samples of dogs with lower respiratory tract (LRT; portion from the trachea to the lungs) disease. Design: Retrospective case series. Animals...

Objective: To determine an efficient method for the collection of semen samples by means of electroejaculation, characterize spermatozoa quality and quantity, and determine the effect of refrigerated storage on motility of spermatozoa obtained from green iguanas (Iguana iguana). Animals: 18 adult green iguanas. Procedures: Green iguanas were a...

Pododermatitis is a pathologic condition commonly reported in captive raptors and characterized by swelling, excoriation, ulceration, cellulitis, or abscessation of the plantar aspect of the foot. Its cause can be multifactorial, often involving abnormal weight bearing or poor sanitation, and medical and surgical techniques, in addition to environm...

Objective: To evaluate the effects of IM administration of recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (rhTSH) on plasma total thyroxine (T4) concentrations in euthyroid ferrets. Design: Evaluation study. Animals: 25 healthy neutered ferrets (14 female and 11 male) of various ages from 2 populations (laboratory ferrets from Georgia and pet f...

Objective: To qualitatively describe lung CT images obtained from sedated healthy equine neonates (≤ 14 days of age), use quantitative analysis of CT images to characterize attenuation and distribution of gas and tissue volumes within the lungs, and identify differences between lung characteristics of foals ≤ 7 days of age and foals > 7 days of ag...

To compare the diagnostic quality of computed tomography (CT) images of normal ocular and orbital structures acquired with and without the use of general anesthesia in the cat. Eleven privately owned cats with nasal disease presenting to a single referral hospital. All cats received a complete ophthalmic examination. A 16 multislice helical CT syst...

Chrysosporium anamorph Nannizziopsis vriesii is a recent pathogen associated with infections in lizards, snakes, and crocodilians. It seems to be an obligate pathogen. It has been isolated from wild reptiles in addition to captive animals. Affected animals often present with aggressive, pyogranulomatous lesions that can affect the integument and mu...

Ranaviruses, specifically frog virus 3-like virus (fv3), have been associated with chelonian mortality events and may threaten biodiversity. to help characterize the disease ecology of fv3 in chelonians, we sampled 606 Eastern Box Turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) from Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, Alabama, and Georgia from 2007 through...

Enhancement of extra-ocular muscles has been reported in cases of orbital pathology in both veterinary and medical magnetic resonance imaging. We have also observed this finding in the absence of orbital disease. The purpose of this retrospective study was to describe extra-ocular muscle contrast enhancement characteristics in a group of dogs with...

In dogs with appendicular osteosarcoma (OSA), increased pretreatment serum bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP) activity is a negative prognostic factor, associated with shorter disease-free intervals and survival times, but a biologic basis for observed differential serum BALP activities in canine OSA patients remains incompletely defined. Se...

Objective: To evaluate the righting reflex after topical application of a sevoflurane jelly in cane toads (Bufo marinus). Animals: 8 cane toads. Procedures: Toads were 6 to 8 months of age and weighed (mean ± SD) 142.0 ± 25.2 g. Sevoflurane jelly was applied to the dorsum of each toad at a dose of 25 μL/g in trial 1 and 37.5 μL/g in trial 2. T...

Ranaviral disease has affected several species of reptiles, but disease progression and mortality in relation to environmental temperature has yet to be determined. In this study, two separate trials challenged adult female red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) with a ranavirus (frog virus 3-like virus; FV3) isolate at environmental...

Clinical pathology is routinely used to diagnose and monitor response to disease. In this study the hematologic response of red-eared slider turtles (Trachemys scripta elegans) to experimental ranavirus infection was measured during two separate environmental temperature trials. Blood samples were collected from six red-eared sliders experimentally...

Objective: To evaluate the effects of administration of recombinant human (rh) thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) for evaluation of thyroid function in euthyroid guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus). Design: Prospective, experimental study. Animals: 10 healthy, sexually intact, pet guinea pigs (approx 1 year of age). Procedures: Guinea pigs were giv...

To determine if an oscillometric device optimized for use in dogs produces systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures (MAPs) measurements that are in good agreement with directly obtained pressures Prospective study. University teaching hospital. Twenty-one dogs under general anesthesia for surgical procedures. A 20-Ga catheter was placed int...

Ranavirus has caused disease epidemics and mass mortality events globally in free-ranging fish, amphibian, and reptile populations. Viral isolation and conventional PCR are the most common methods for diagnosis. In this study, a quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was developed using a TaqMan probe-based assay targeting a highly conserved regio...

Conservation programs to protect endangered sea turtles are being instituted worldwide. A common practice in these programs is to collect blood to evaluate the health of the turtles. Several different venipuncture sites are used to collect blood from sea turtles for hematologic and biochemistry tests, depending on the species. To date, it is unknow...

The primary objective was to determine if venous plasma lactate is affected by struggling during venipuncture in clinically normal, healthy cats. Additional objectives were to evaluate the effects of venipuncture site, age, sex, and time (0-24 h) on plasma lactate concentrations in healthy cats. Prospective clinical study. Private veterinary referr...

The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is an economically important lizard in herpetoculture, with an annual estimate of 500,000 juvenile bearded dragons produced in the United States. Within the last few years, Isospora amphiboluri has been recognized as an important disease-causing parasite of bearded dragons; this is associated with signif...

To evaluate histologic reactions to 8 suture materials and cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) in the musculature and skin of ball pythons. 30 hatchling ball pythons. In each snake, ten 1-cm skin incisions were made (day 0). At 8 sites, a suture of 1 of 8 materials was placed in the epaxial musculature, and the incision was closed with the same mat...

Reptiles and amphibians are popular as pets. There are increased concerns among public health officials because of the zoonotic potential associated with these animals. Encounters with reptiles and amphibians are also on the rise in the laboratory setting and with wild animals; in both of these practices, there is also an increased likelihood for e...

A red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) and a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) were evaluated for unilateral pelvic limb lameness. Physical examination findings and results of diagnostic imaging revealed femoral neck fractures in both birds. Both birds were treated with a femoral head and neck excision arthroplasty. The affected legs were not immobil...

To determine types and frequency of ophthalmic lesions detected in neonatal foals evaluated for nonophthalmic disease at 3 veterinary referral hospitals and to investigate associations between systemic and ophthalmic diseases in these foals. Prospective cross-sectional study. 70 foals < 30 days old. Complete ophthalmic examinations were performed....

Forty-seven patients with a known history of thoracic trauma or clinical suspicion of pneumothorax were selected for thoracic imaging. The patient population was composed of 42 dogs and five cats. Standard vertical beam (VB) left and right lateral and ventrodorsal/dorsoventral (VD/DV) projections were obtained for each patient, and at least one hor...

Baseline hematologic and serum chemistry values are used by veterinarians and wildlife biologists to identify abnormally high or low levels of particular blood parameters in a target species. This vital information can assist animal care providers in making informed decisions on the care of wildlife and help to determine diagnoses for certain illne...

Blood samples were collected from 18 female and 20 male adult crested geckos from 1 captive population in Massachusetts, USA. The geckos were given a thorough examination, and a blood sample was collected for a complete blood count (CBC) and plasma biochemistry analysis. Whole blood was stored in lithium heparin for analysis. The median weight of t...

  To describe a protocol for the examination of free-living raptors and report the ophthalmic examination findings of seven raptor species native to central Illinois, namely the barred owl, Cooper's hawk, eastern screech owl, great horned owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and turkey vulture and to determine if the findings relative to visual...

Twelve adult male corn snakes, Pantherophis (Elaphe) guttatus guttatus, were used for this study. Blood samples were collected via cardiocentesis or caudal tail venipuncture. Plasma chemistries were measured using a standard laboratory chemistry analyzer; these parameters were used to calculate plasma osmolality. Osmolality also was measured using...

In laboratory studies, insecticides (diflubenzuron, novaluron, methoprene and, pyriproxyfen) that have been incorporated into rodent diets were effective as feed-throughs against sand fly larvae. Novaluron also was effective against sand fly larvae at low concentrations and under simulated field conditions. Ivermectin has been shown to be effective...

Computed tomography (CT) and thoracic radiography were performed in nonsedated, nonanesthetized, cats with thoracic disease. The final diagnosis was obtained with echocardiography, cytology, histopathology, necropsy, or response to therapy. For CT imaging, cats were in a positioning device using a 16 multislice helical CT system. Fifty-four cats ha...

Modern farming practices in the midwestern United States have drastically altered the landscape. Most wetlands have been drained, and small streams are channelized to transport excess water away from tile-drained agricultural fields. Loss of critical wetland habitat has shifted the distribution of muskrats Ondatra zibethicus, an economically import...

The VetMousetrap, a novel device that allows computed tomography (CT) of awake cats and provides a clinically supportive environment, is described. Ten normal cats were used to test the device for ambient internal oxygen, carbon dioxide levels, and temperature. Twenty-two awake normal cats were imaged using a 16-multislice helical CT unit to evalua...

The juvenile hormone analogues methoprene and pyriproxyfen were evaluated as rodent feed-through insecticides for control of immature stages of the sandfly Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli (Diptera: Psychodidae). The development and survival of P. papatasi second-instar larvae fed faeces from Syrian hamsters, Mesocricetus auratus, that had been fed a d...

Increased agricultural production within the Grand Prairie region, USA, has resulted in drainage of most natural wetlands within the landscape. Muskrats (Ondatra zibethicus (L., 1766)) in this region have shifted much of their distribution to riparian habitats that have unstable flow regimes and flood inundation times that could be related to posit...

Itraconazole is used to treat and prevent aspergillosis in captive penguin colonies. Although commercial formulations of itraconazole are available, compounding is sometimes performed to decrease cost or to provide a different concentration of the drug. Using a two-way crossover design, the pharmacokinetics of both a commercially available oral itr...

To determine whether veterinary-specific oscillometric blood pressure units yield measurements that are in good agreement with directly measured blood pressures in cats. Evaluation study. 21 cats undergoing routine spaying or neutering. A 24-gauge catheter was inserted in a dorsal pedal artery, and systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures w...

This case study confirms the interaction between necrophilic flies and white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus, during an anthrax outbreak in West Texas (summer 2005). Bacillus anthracis was identified by culture and PCR from one of eight pooled fly collections from deer carcasses on a deer ranch with a well-documented history of anthrax. These r...

Toads in the genus Bufo are commonly kept in pet, research, and zoological settings and may require anesthesia during veterinary care. Limited information is available comparing anesthetic protocols in most amphibian species. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and cardiopulmonary effects of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and...

To determine the efficacy of 21-day therapy with azithromycin and doxycycline in the treatment of experimental infection with Chlamydophila psittaci in cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus), 30 birds randomly assigned to 3 treatment groups and 1 control group were inoculated with C psittaci by combined intranasal and ocular routes. Morbidity, mortalit...

Antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a growing problem in both human and veterinary medicine. Several studies documented the presence of resistant bacteria in humans, livestock, and domestic animals; however, limited research is available on the presence of antibiotic drug resistance in wildlife species. A cross-sectional study was conducted to est...

It is unusual for seasonal breeders to frequently skip opportunities for reproduction. We investigated the relationship between physiological state and reproductive decision-making in Galápagos marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus), a species in which females typically reproduce biennially, although the proportion of breeding individuals varies...

This chapter provides an overview of the biology and medical care of rabbits. There are about 50 different breeds of domestic rabbits. Rabbits have very thin and delicate skin that is covered with fine fur comprised of both a soft undercoat and stiff guard hairs. Care must be taken when clipping fur because the skin is prone to tearing. A rabbit en...

This chapter focuses on biology, health, and medical care issues of chinchillas. Chinchillas are native to the semi-arid mountainous areas of South America, particularly the countries of Peru, Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Chinchillas are active animals, requiring a relatively large enclosure. The enclosure should be large enough to provide an are...

This chapter gives an overview of the history of exotic pets and discusses how some exotic animals gained popularity over time. Evidences suggest that the Sumerians were the first to keep fish in captivity (2500 BC), but it was for food. The Egyptians and Romans were likely the first groups to keep fish as something more than just a food source. Ho...

This chapter discusses how a veterinarian can prepare his/her hospital for exotic pets. When considering whether to incorporate exotic species into a veterinary practice, veterinarians should first identify the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with such a change. Incorporating exotic pets into a veterinary practice can have multipl...

This chapter covers the basic anatomy, physiology, husbandry, and health issues of chelonians. Chelonians represent one of the most unique and recognizable groups of animals in the world. For husbandry of chelonians, the shape and size of the enclosure should be selected based on the chelonian's habitat preference. Aquatic species should be provide...

This chapter addresses some of the issues related to the health and well-being of ornamental fish. The general husbandry and maintenance of the aquatic facility and ecosystems have a direct relationship to the overall health of the fishes. Maintaining clean areas behind the exhibits and nonpublic areas is essential to good health practices. Accumul...

This chapter gives an overview of the biology, health, and well-being of snakes. The shape and size of the enclosure for a snake should be selected based on the snake's biology. A fossorial species should be housed in an enclosure that is long and wide. In contrast, an arboreal species should be housed in a tall enclosure to ensure that ample folia...